METRO concerned with the Sherriff’s Office new inmate transportation plan

Since yesterday’s announcement by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to transport inmates on light rail, METRO has received passenger feedback expressing concern for their personal and family safety.

METRO’s goal is to provide a safe, secure and reliable journey for its passengers. Any situation that creates concern for passengers and discourages ridership is of great concern to METRO.

The METRO light rail vehicle, much like any public transit vehicle, is not a controlled environment and not designed for this application. Transporting inmates using public transportation is not a common practice nationally and has not occurred locally on the Valley’s bus system.

It is anticipated that the METRO Board of Directors will consider a resolution requesting the Sherriff’s Office to reconsider this proposal in light of concerns expressed by Valley residents. METRO would welcome an opportunity to discuss with the Sherriff’s Office better solutions that meet everyone’s needs.

Source: Metro Rail

Limited Sunday service for P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon

In accommodation of the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Arizona Marathon and ½ Marathon on Jan. 18, METRO light rail will limit morning service to stations north of McDowell Rd. The following stations will be without light rail service until approximately 10 a.m., or until the race has cleared:

· Montebello/19th Avenue

· 19th Avenue/Camelback Road

· 7th Avenue/Camelback Road

· Central Avenue/Camelback

· Campbell/Central Avenue

· Osborn/Central Avenue

· Thomas/Central Avenue

· Encanto/Central Avenue

METRO will service the rest of the line – from McDowell/Central Avenue to Main/Sycamore – with regular service hours and additional trains and frequencies to support event patrons. METRO will offer 10-minute service before and during the race when traditional weekend frequency is every 15 minutes.

The entire line will re-open once police have indicated the marathon has cleared and it’s safe to proceed, approximately 10 a.m.

There are also significant bus detours as a result of this event. Select routes in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe will be impacted. All transit riders are strongly advised to consult www.valleymetro.org or call customer service at (602) 253-5000 for route detour updates and give themselves extra time to reach their destination.

As with all special events that occur along the line, METRO promotes the use of existing fare media (a 3-day, 7-day, 31-day pass or Platinum Pass) or purchasing an all-day pass when first boarding. An all-day, 3-day, 7-day or 31-day pass only needs to be activated once; with activation, the pass is date stamped with its expiration date. An all-day pass or more eliminates the need to wait in line to buy another single ride pass when leaving the special event.

Source: Metro Rail